Il Viaggio a Reims

New production

A Magritte, a van Gogh and a Goya walk into a gallery…

If Rossini made a showreel of his best work, it would sound like Il Viaggio
a Reims (The Journey to Reims). The prolific composer was unabashedly
showing off when he wrote this incredible work, destined to dazzle the aristocracy
at the crowning of Charles X and then disappear forever. The simple plot is a marvellous
excuse for a string of fantastic arias and impressive ensemble pieces.

Because it’s so demanding and expensive to stage, it’s never been seen
in Australia before. But in 2019, Rossini’s exultant opera finally makes its
Australian premiere, a spectacular vehicle for some of your favourite performers.

In Damiano Michieletto’s playful take, the eccentric cast of characters find
themselves in a gallery filled with the master works of art history. Velázquez’s
enormous dresses jostle for space with Keith Haring’s cheerful murals. Frida
Kahlo and van Gogh compare self-portraits. It’s a surreal world, where artworks
step out of the frame and come to life the moment the lights go out.

Delightful, surprising, spectacular and frivolous, this co-production with Dutch
National Opera and the Royal Danish Theatre is a perfect foil for Rossini’s
jubilant score.

Gaze at the world’s most famous art through the magnificent (and thoroughly
tongue-in-cheek) sets and costumes. Paolo Fantin and Carla Teti have recreated iconic
works with remarkable fidelity.

Young Australian conductor Daniel Smith makes his long-awaited debut with Opera
Australia, bringing his characteristic sparkle in the pit to a huge cast of talents.

Subscribe to the opera in 2019 and come with us on an inspiring journey...

Explore a season full of highlights, charting a course through love and passion
and despair (this is opera, after all). You can laugh and revel in extraordinary talent,
or gasp your way through ghost stories. Our 2019 season
leaves no corner unexplored. Choose three or more productions
to unlock a subscriber discount, along with exclusive benefits throughout the year.